Is it just me, or is football down

[Cactus Jack]

I wouldn't say it is down as much as saying it is different, Football is a much more thinking game than it used to be,  Practices aren't as much about contact as they are about playing a position properly, how to think and adjust on the field, where to line up, Coaches don't want to get a player hurt in practice, but they want him understanding his position, his reads, his steps, all small things that if he doesn't know can cost a game against a team with near equal ability.  Coaching is more important than ever, the OC and DC have to know their stuff, have to study film, both their own and opponent films. I think also less kids want to play now than used to say 20 years ago, its still hard work, hot and cold games and practices, its still rough, and some that could play opt for the AC and video games. Also, you don't see the sandlot games going on like you used to back in the 50s - 80s. Kids learned a lot about playing football by playing pickup games on the weekends and after school, just football sense, how to play, how to go get an interception, rather than stand and watch the receiver catch it, then try to tackle him. Stuff like that. When I was a kid, we played all the time, even after it got dark under the street lights on our dead end street. I would like to see kids out again, playing football, basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, whatever, they will end up healthier and in better shape and when they get to the high school level, they will know what the coach is trying to teach them.

[Rerun92]

25 minutes ago, Cactus Jack said:

I wouldn't say it is down as much as saying it is different, Football is a much more thinking game than it used to be,  Practices aren't as much about contact as they are about playing a position properly, how to think and adjust on the field, where to line up, Coaches don't want to get a player hurt in practice, but they want him understanding his position, his reads, his steps, all small things that if he doesn't know can cost a game against a team with near equal ability.  Coaching is more important than ever, the OC and DC have to know their stuff, have to study film, both their own and opponent films. I think also less kids want to play now than used to say 20 years ago, its still hard work, hot and cold games and practices, its still rough, and some that could play opt for the AC and video games. Also, you don't see the sandlot games going on like you used to back in the 50s - 80s. Kids learned a lot about playing football by playing pickup games on the weekends and after school, just football sense, how to play, how to go get an interception, rather than stand and watch the receiver catch it, then try to tackle him. Stuff like that. When I was a kid, we played all the time, even after it got dark under the street lights on our dead end street. I would like to see kids out again, playing football, basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, whatever, they will end up healthier and in better shape and when they get to the high school level, they will know what the coach is trying to teach them.

It is different.  I'd say though that most athletes are in better shape now then they used to be.  They're stronger and faster, though maybe not as savy.

[Thund3rStruck]

4 hours ago, chs1984 said:

If memory serves, cutting down travel in the playoffs (and thus increasing attendance) was the reason for going to the current system. 

I understand it as an attendance stamd point, but it would be nice for change and better quality matchups in rounds 1 and 2 and a different opponent than the typical every year.